Rose plant

ABSTRACT

A new rose purple colored hybrid tea rose variety.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of roseplant of the hybrid tea rose class, which was originated by my crossingas seed parent the rose known as "Louisiana" (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,719)and an unnamed, unpatented seedling of my creation as pollen parent. Thedenomination of this new rose is "Silver Spoon".

Among the novel characteristics possessed by this new variety whichdistinguish it from its parents and all other varieties of which I amaware are its attractive rose purple flowers borne singly, one to astem, produced on an attractive, vigorous plant. Flowers are of goodexhibition form with some contrast in tonality between petal top surfaceand undersurface. Asexual reproduction by budding of the new variety asperformed in San Bernardino County, Calif., shows that the foregoing andother distinguishing characteristics come true to form and areestablished and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

The accompanying drawing shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of developmentand as depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake the same in a color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.C.C.) The terminology used in color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart, e.g., "75C"is plate 75C of The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart.

Parentage: Seedling.

Seed parent.--"Louisiana".

Pollen parent.--Unnamed seedling.

Class: Hybrid tea.

The following observations are made of specimens grown outdoors in SanBernardino County, Calif., during the month of October.

FLOWER

Blooming habit: Recurrent.

A. Bud:

(1) Size.--Large.

(2) Form.--Long pointed.

(3) Color.--After sepals first divide, buds are reddish purple and aftersepals fall, petal undersurface first seen is phlox purple, near 68C and68D, with deeper toned petal edges near 68C on outer petals.

(4) Sepals.--Generally shorter than bud, but some are longer andnarrower and with prickles.

(5) Peduncle.--Length -- long. Aspect -- relatively slender but sturdy.Strength -- erect, strong enough to hold bloom upright. Color -- near144C but with reddish cast.

B. Bloom:

(1) Size.--Average size when fully expanded -- about 41/2 to 5 inches.

(2) Borne.--Singly, one to a stem.

(3) Form.--High centered, petals loosely roll outward as flowers openand age.

(4) Petalage.--Number of petals under normal conditions -- about 25 to30.

(5) Color.--After sepals fall and petals begin to unfurl, color of petalundersurface is near 68D. As flower opens further, color of petal topsurface seems lighter than 68D, becoming near white. In the 1/3 to 1/2open stage, the color contrasts attractively with deeper tonedappearance of flower center where petals remain bunched. Some veining isvisible, with deeper shades, e.g., 68C to 68D, appearing mainly on petalundersurface. General tonality from a distance is silvery to greyishlavender. Color at point of petal attachment is initially yellow andlightens upon aging.

C. Petals:

(1) Texture.--Medium.

(2) Appearance.--Soft with little sheen.

(3) Form.--Ovate with rounded edge.

(4) Arrangement.--Regular.

(5) Petaloids in center.--Few.

(6) Persistence.--Petals persist.

(7) Fragrance.--None.

(8) Lasting quality.--Long lasting quality on plant and 2 to 3 days ascut flower.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

A. Stamens, filaments and anthers:

Arrangement and color.--Regularly arranged, pale yellow.

B. Pollen:

Color.--Yellow.

C. Styles: Uneven, short, abundant.

D. Stigmas:

Color.--Pale yellow.

E. Hips: None observed.

PLANT

A. Form: Upright, compact, moderately spreading.

B. Growth: Very vigorous.

Height attained.--About 4 to 5 feet.

C. Foliage: Compound 5 leaflets.

(1) Size.--Medium.

(2) Quantity.--Abundant.

(3) Color.--New foliage: Upper side -- reddish purple. Under side --reddish purple. Old foliage: Upper side -- near 147A to B. Under side --near 147B to C.

(4) Shape.--Obovate.

(5) Texture.--Upper side is waxy and under side is dull.

(6) Edge. --Serrate.

(7) Serration.--Regular.

(8) Leaf stem.--Color -- near to 147C. Under side -- near 147C to D.

(9) Stipules.--Medium.

(10) Resistance to disease.--Average.

D. Wood:

(1) New wood.--Color -- near 147B to C. Bark -- smooth.

(2) Old wood.--Color -- near 147B. Bark -- smooth.

E. Thorns:

(1) Thorns.--Quantity (main stalk) -- ordinary. On laterals from stalk-- few. Form -- narrow, pointing downward. Length -- medium. Color --brownish. Position -- regular.

(2) Prickles.--Few to none.

F. Winter hardiness: Needs winter protection in severe climate.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tearose class, substantially as shown and described, characterizedparticularly by rose purple flowers of good form and size borne one to astem on an attractive, vigorous plant and having a general silverylavender tonality from a distance.